Marco Finanzio
Founder & Managing Director

Marco is the founder of each of the current venues and a pioneer of reactivating the historical Thornbury High Street.  He is also a co-founder of the Melbourne Salami Festa. 

Marco has travelled the world extensively, having also lived in Italy, worked in London and volunteered in Costa Rica. After spending 10 years in the finance world, he decided to return to his true love of hospitality with vital experience and clear direction.

Marco is passionate about providing genuine hospitality and creating environments that bring people together sharing good food and booze.

Carla Barbieri
Marketing & Community

Carla has lived the journey of the Umberto Group since its inception in 2010.  Her experience in the not for profit sector coupled with her Bachelor of Education makes Carla the perfect leader of our community initiative Programma Comunità.

Carla also heads up the marketing department in her spare time!

Adrian Bressanuti
Head Chef - Pastificio Sandro & prova

Adrian started the Pastificio Sandro journey in June, 2023. For the better part of his career, he has had the privilege of being employed by some of Melbourne’s most prominent kitchens. Earning his stripes at Stokehouse and Tipo 00.

Adrian is committed to considering food beyond the plate. Sustainability and local sourced produce drive his process. With his knowledge, he has the ability to translate ideas that bring new substance to the Umberto Group. He is a believer that your team is your family and what better business to land in.

Adrian wears his heart on his sleeve and cannot wait to grow this humble little pasta shop into something special.

Andrew Barry
General Manager

Andrew is hospo born and bred. At 11 years of age he got his first taste of the industry, pouring pots at his cousin’s pub in South Melbourne and he hasn’t looked back since.

With over 22 years’ experience, Andrew has worked in bars across Europe and South East Asia as well as some of Melbourne’s best restaurant institutions.

First joining the group in 2021, Andrew was initially the Beverage Manager before moving into the role of General Manager.

Anthony Palermo
Executive Chef

Experienced in multiple, highly profitable businesses both across Australia, The Middle East & The USA., Anthony brings 23 Years experience in the restaurant industry including all things Italian & European and is internationally accredited by the AVPN (Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana) in Neapolitan Pizza. Anthony has owned & operated multiple successful businesses over the past 10 years both nationally and internationally.

With a great passion for hospitality and a detailed understanding of Restaurant Operations around the world, Anthony aims to be strategic in future planning, continuing to enhance and grow the industry.

Antonella Rappos
Store Manager - Pastificio Sandro

Antonella spent 17 years as a Flight Attendant flying around Australia and the world with the highlight of exploring and experiencing the best culinary delights that each place had to offer. 

During covid Antonella ran her own catering business "Antonella's Kitchen" and this gave her great joy. 

Antonella loves food, she loves cooking and she loves the act of preparing food and then sharing it. She feels grateful to share her passion for food with Pastificio Sandro. 

Kimberley Tracey
Functions, Events & Admin Manager

Kimberley oversees all events and group bookings across our 3 venues. 

Originally from sunny QLD, she has over 15 years experience front of house and managed cafe’s, bars and restaurants locally and abroad. An industry hiatus to work in Advertising was short lived and reinforced her passion for food, beverage and the community that it fosters.  

Kimberley’s strength in planning, administration and design coupled with years of firsthand experience executing events make her a perfect fit to coordinate your celebrations! Outside of work, she is kept busy studying Sustainable Innovation in Textile and Fashion design.

Pete Kosztka
Venue Manager - Umberto Espresso Bar

A true hospo professional, Pete has worked within the industry for over 25 years. He is loved and respected by staff and customers alike due to his warm personality and genuine caring nature.

Born and bred in ‘Rezza’, Pete is excited to continue his journey in the northern suburbs. When he’s not busy at work, he’s busy at home with his partner and their four children!

Sarah Brogno
Venue Manager - prova

Sarah believes the thrilling hospo scene is where her heart truly belongs. 

Since her first gig as a dishie in her zia’s café at the ripe old age of 13, she’s spent the last 15 years working in cafes, bars and restaurants around Melbourne, fine tuning that warming hospitality she’s now known for.

Settling in at Umberto Espresso Bar in 2022, Sarah loves creating effortless dining experiences and having fun and memorable moments with her guests. She’s excited to now extend this love for genuine hospitality as venue manager at p r o v a.